Why the World Needs Better Green Technologies
Context
To meet the Paris Agreement goals and achieve net-zero emissions, the world must move beyond conventional renewable technologies. Silicon photovoltaics (SPVs) and green hydrogen dominate the green energy discourse, but their inherent limitations call for next-generation solutions and diversified innovation.
Limitations of Conventional Silicon Photovoltaics (SPVs)
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History & Use: Invented by Bell Labs (1954); initially for satellites, now the dominant solar technology.
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Efficiency:
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Reported: 18–21% (lab), In-field: 15–18%.
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Advanced Alternatives: Gallium arsenide thin-film reaches up to 47% efficiency.
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Challenges:
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High land requirement: Unsuitable for land-scarce, urbanising countries like India.
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Energy trade-offs: Low efficiency limits use in high-demand applications like hydrogen production.
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Green Hydrogen: Potential & Problems
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What: Produced by electrolysis using renewable energy, with no GHG emissions.
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Limitations:
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Energy intensive: Requires more energy to produce than it yields.
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Storage & transport issues: Low density, high leakage risk.
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Alternatives:
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Green ammonia (NH₃) & green methanol (CH₃OH): Easier to transport but reverse conversion consumes energy, reducing overall efficiency.
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Emerging Solutions: Artificial Photosynthesis & CO₂ Recycling
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Artificial Photosynthesis (APS): Mimics plant photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and CO₂/Nitrogen to produce fuels.
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Current Status: Lab-stage but holds potential to bypass energy losses of electrolysis and catalysis.
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CO₂ Recycling: Converts emissions into usable fuels, creating a closed-loop energy cycle.
Need for Technological Diversification
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Net-Zero Challenge: SPVs alone cannot deliver carbon neutrality.
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India’s Energy Dependence: Imports ~85% of energy needs (oil, coal, natural gas).
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Policy Direction:
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Invest in R&D & public–private partnerships for breakthrough technologies.
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Explore Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) like the EU.
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Prioritise next-gen solar (thin-film, perovskite) & synthetic fuels.
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Conclusion
The path to a sustainable future demands technological pluralism. Improving efficiency in solar panels, making hydrogen economically viable, and developing artificial photosynthesis & RFNBOs can transform the green energy landscape. For India, indigenous innovation is critical to ensure energy security, self-sufficiency, and climate commitments.
